Hungarian film enthusiasts have a wealth of content coming their way this holiday season. The National Film Institute’s streaming platform, Filmio, will offer 130 Hungarian films free of charge for five weeks, beginning with the start of Advent and running through January 6. Launched in 2020, Filmio now boasts nearly 1200 titles and provides an accessible archive of Hungarian cinematic history[2].
Hungarian cinema is getting a major spotlight this holiday season. The five-year-old streaming platform Filmio will offer 130 Hungarian films for free over five weeks, from the start of Advent through Epiphany, running now through January 6.
The initiative comes from the National Film Institute, and promises a wealth of Hungarian classics and contemporary cinema to audiences.
More than 20 films will be available on the platform for the first time without charge, including the complete Hunyadi series, Roncsfilm, A Viszkis, and the beloved animated classic Hugó, a víziló.
The free selection pays tribute to Hungarian film legends such as Károly Makk, Iván Darvas, and Ferenc Kállai, all celebrating birthdays this year – Makk and Darvas turning 100, and Kállai marking his 90th. Viewers can also enjoy films starring Mari Törőcsik, who would have been 90 this year, including Szerelem, Ház a sziklák alatt, and A tanú.
Alongside classic Hungarian comedies and crime films – including Liliomfi, A tizedes meg a többiek, A Pogány Madonna, Dögkeselyű, and Csapd le csacsi! – the lineup also features contemporary works. Ildikó Enyedi’s Golden Bear-winning On Body and Soul and László Nemes Jeles’ Oscar-winning Son of Saul will both be available to stream at no cost.
For younger viewers, beloved fairytale classics like Az erdő kapitánya, Szaffi, and Macskafogó are also included in the offering.
“With the launch of Filmio, the national film heritage has become accessible in a way that is almost unique in Europe,” said Csaba Káel, President of the National Film Institute. The platform launched on November 19, 2020, with 250 films and has since grown to nearly 1200 titles, with two new films added weekly.
For fans of Hungarian cinema, Port.hu has launched a national vote to find the country’s favorite Hungarian film. Voting is open until December 14 – cast your vote here!
